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Effects of a Conscious Breathing Intervention on Emotion and Energy Flow

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St. Catherine University SOPHIA Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers Holistic Health Studies 5-2015 Effects of a Conscious Breathing Intervention on Emotion and Energy Flow Amy Heath St. Catherine University Heather Mashuga St. Catherine University Ann Arens St. Catherine University Follow this and additional works at: https://sophia.stkate.edu/ma_hhs Part of the Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons Recommended Citation Heath, Amy; Mashuga, Heather; and Arens, Ann. (2015). Effects of a Conscious Breathing Intervention on Emotion and Energy Flow. Retrieved from Sophia, the St. Catherine University repository website: https://sophia.stkate.edu/ma_hhs/1 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Holistic Health Studies at SOPHIA. It has been accepted for inclusion in Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers by an authorized administrator of SOPHIA. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Running head: CONSCIOUS BREATHING, EMOTION, AND ENERGY FLOW Effects of a Conscious Breathing Intervention on Emotion and Energy Flow Amy Heath, Heather Mashuga, and Ann Arens St. Catherine University May 20, 2015 Abstract The breath is a powerful internal resource that is within conscious control. Theories in the literature indicate unconscious breathing patterns can suppress emotion and restrict energy flow, however, the effects of conscious breathing on these elements are not well understood. The purpose of this study is to describe the effects of a conscious breathing intervention on emotion and energy flow. We used a quasi-experimental design, and conducted three individual case studies on ourselves over 6 weeks. We collected qualitative data, which included professional aura and chakra readings, photographs, body scan diagrams, journals, and third party observation forms. We performed within- case and cross-case thematic data analysis. Results suggest conscious breathing increases groundedness, interconnection, confidence, and spiritual growth, as well as facilitates emotional surfacing and release. Positive changes in energetic patterns over the course of 6 weeks suggest that conscious breathing may also increase energy flow. Our study provides important preliminary information for the role conscious breathing may play in the treatment of physical and emotional ailments. While our results seem promising, a future longer-term experimental study with a larger, more representative sample size is warranted. i Acknowledgements Amy Heath I am grateful for the guidance and support of many people throughout this research process. First, I would like to thank my co-researchers, Heather and Ann, for your hard work and engagement with this research project, which was a creation of our collective consciousness. I would also like to thank Carol Geisler, Ph.D., Joi Lewis, Ed.D., Mari Ann Graham, Ph. D., and Janet Dahlem, MA for your guidance, encouragement, and words of wisdom during this process. I am also grateful to Terri Peterson for facilitating the Soul Breathing™ sessions, and to Annette Bruchu for performing the aura and chakra readings. Finally, I would like to thank my friends and family, especially John Kuth, for supporting and encouraging me along the way. Heather Mashuga I had the help, support, guidance, and encouragement of numerous people throughout this research process, and without it, this final project would not have been possible. First and foremost, I would like to thank my husband, Luke, for his continued support, in a variety of ways. I am also thankful for all of my loved ones who helped to take care of my children while I was in class or taking time to work on this project. I appreciate all of the guidance and feedback from each and every one of the women (fellow research students and instructors) who partook in this research journey with me, especially Carol Geisler, Ph.D. and Mari Ann Graham, Ph.D. It has been an honor to learn and grow with all of you, and you are all dear to my heart. I am full of gratitude for Amy and Ann, and all of their hard work, dedication, and contributions through every step of this process. This project would not have been possible without their unique ii personalities, creative ideas, and invaluable wisdom. Lastly, thank you to Terri Peterson for facilitating the Soul Breathing™ sessions, and to Annette Bruchu for the aura and chakra readings. They both went above and beyond to help us and share their wisdom with us, and without their unique skills, this project could have gone in a completely different direction. Ann Arens I wish to express my sincere thanks to Carol Geisler, Ph.D., Joi Lewis, Ed.D., Mari Ann Graham, Ph. D., and Janet Dahlem, MA, within the University of St. Catherine’s Holistic Health program for their superior instruction and continuous encouragement and wisdom throughout the research process. I’m grateful to Annette Bruchu and Terri Peterson whose professional teaching and guidance provided personal insight and growth. I am extremely thankful for my research partners, Amy and Heather, whose strong work ethic, positive attitudes, and friendship made this research process a pleasure. Also, deep appreciation to my research class members who shared their honesty and humor throughout our journey. Finally, I am indebted to my fabulous family and friends who have given me so much support during the last two years. iii Table of Contents Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1 Literature Review ............................................................................................................. 4 Breath .............................................................................................................................. 5 Energy ............................................................................................................................. 8 Breath, Emotion, and Energy ........................................................................................ 12 Conscious Breathing Research ...................................................................................... 18 Summary and Research Question ................................................................................. 22 Lenses ............................................................................................................................... 24 Researcher Paradigms ................................................................................................... 24 Theoretical Lenses......................................................................................................... 27 Professional Lenses ....................................................................................................... 30 Personal Lenses ............................................................................................................. 34 Method ............................................................................................................................. 40 Researcher Paradigms ................................................................................................... 40 Design and Method ....................................................................................................... 41 Sampling........................................................................................................................ 43 Instrumentation and Data Collection............................................................................. 45 Reliability, Validity, and Rigor ..................................................................................... 50 Data Analysis ................................................................................................................ 53 Ethical Considerations................................................................................................... 55 Design Limitations ........................................................................................................ 58 Results .............................................................................................................................. 60 Description of the Participants ...................................................................................... 60 Case Study #1: Amy ...................................................................................................... 60 Case Study #2: Heather ................................................................................................. 67 Case Study #3: Ann ....................................................................................................... 79 Cross-Case Study .......................................................................................................... 87 Discussion......................................................................................................................... 92 Findings Supported by the Literature ............................................................................ 92 Unexpected Findings ..................................................................................................... 95 Implications for Holistic Health .................................................................................. 100 iv Implications for Community and Education ............................................................... 101 Implications for Research...........................................................................................
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